Bronx, NY- State Senator Gustavo Rivera (D-WF), and Assemblyman Nelson Castro (D, WF) hosted their second annual job fair for Bronx residents on Friday, November 16, 2012 from 12 PM to 4 PM. Employers interviewed job seekers for a number of employment opportunities, ranging from opportunities in the healthcare industry to customer service and retail opportunities.

"Assembly Member Castro and I meet local residents every day who are looking for employment opportunities," said Senator Rivera. "It is our responsibility as elected officials to connect our constituents with employment opportunities, many of which are right here in the Bronx like Fresh Direct and Montefiore Medical Center."

"During challenging economic times, it is critical to provide job opportunities to the most needed members of our community," said Assemblyman Nelson L. Castro. "This Second Annual Job Fair will help mitigate the overwhelming unemployment situation that has been affecting our community. It is one of my main priorities to ensure that my constituents become productive members of society."

FreshDirect co-founder and CEO Jason Ackerman said, "We want to hire as many Bronxites as possible, so Senator Rivera's and Assembly Member Castro's efforts to put small businesses like FreshDirect in touch with Bronx residents who are looking for work is a terrific opportunity for everyone involved. I applaud their leadership."

Employers in attendance included Fresh Direct, Children's Village, St. Barnabas Hospital, Montefiore Medical Center and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA). Over 500 job seekers were interviewed for approximately 200 positions. This is Assembly Member Castro and Senator Rivera's second annual job fair.